Reggio Calabria Location guide

A journey to Reggio Calabria is a magical experience, affecting even those who start their journey just a few kilometres to the north. Reggio is literally the end of the road, the end of the peninsula, the end of the journey or maybe it is just the beginning.

The bright tones of the earth contrast against the blue of the Mediterranean as Reggio reaches out across the narrow strait that separates the mainland from Sicily. It is framed by the Aspromonte Mountains, decorated by rivers and scented by jasmine and bergamot. A place to find peace of mind or enjoy the busy nightlife of a bustling city.

Main Attractions

1. A walk along the Promenade – the most beautiful kilometre in Italy
2. Enjoy a delicious local ice cream
3. Tour the Aspromonte Mountains
4. Take a trip to Pentedattilo and the Grecanica Area
5. Visit Scilla, a fisherman’s village
6. Wander around the National Museum of Magna Grecia
7. Take a trip to Cattolica di Stilo, a medieval site
8. Dive off the Viola Coast
9. Eat a local dinner with chilli peppers
10. Enjoy an evening at the Cilea Theatre

Events
Fans of gourmet cooking can enjoy two local festivals in August to celebrate the local fish, the Stocco(swordfish), a traditional celebration is held in Mammola on the 9th, whilst the national festival takes place in Cittanova during the month.
Mammola also plays host to the Festival of Flavours in December, when visitors get to sample a wide range of local products including olive oil, roasted fish, bread, pizza, peppers and doughnuts.
For art and history lovers, there is a range of culturally themed events such as the Area Grecanica Festival which celebrates local culture, costumes and traditions. The Paleariza Festival, held in August, that revisits the Greek history of the area and the Mediterranean Art Festival, held at the end of July in Melito.

Local Food
The chilli pepper is undoubtedly one of the area’s best known specialities, used as a base in many local recipes such as pork and fish dishes. Another is the Stocco Fish, brought to the area centuries ago by merchants from Venice and Naples, and eaten at key celebrations such as Christmas Eve and Good Friday.
Olive oil produced in this area is used widely for conserving foods such as tuna, aubergine, and mushrooms due to its high quality. Also try local wines like Pellaro and Sambatello, with their strong full-bodied flavours that are perfect with meat dishes.

Reggio Calabria’s Waterfront
Reggio Calabria is not only one of the oldest cities in Italy, but also the oldest colony of Magna Grecia. Reggio marks the point that the Italian mainland meets the Mediterranean. It is the end of a continent, a blue frontier, with a stunning landscape which can be enjoyed from its magnificent promenade which Gabriele D’Annunzio called ‘the most beautiful kilometre in Italy’.
Reconstructed by the Moors at the end of the 18th century, and by De Nava after the terrible earthquake of 1908, the promenade is seen as the symbol of the city’s rebirth and renewal.
Lined with Liberty style buildings, trees, plants and a view of Messina on the Sicilian coast, Gabriele Annunzio’s description remains true today.
In addition to the stunning landscapes, you may get to experience an optical phenomena ‘Fatamorgana’. In certain conditions, the light is reflected in a particular way off the water surface and surroundings and allows you to see the smallest details of the Sicilian coast, almost making you feel that you could reach out and touch it with your finger.
Reggio’s waterfront is not only about the city’s past. It is also a symbol of the future and the focus for a new plan of urban development which includes a new Museum of Mediterranean History. The museum will host the two bronze statues of Riace, and will blend past and contemporary local history.

How to get there
By air: Reggio Calabria Stretto Airport has connections to the main Italian cities, and there is a bus shuttle to take you to the city centre. For connections to major European cities, opt for Lamezia Terme airport (134km) served by Ryanair, Easyjet and Blu Express.
By Train: Reggio Calabria has direct connections to major Italian cities including Rome and Milan. You can also cross to Sicily using the train ferry.
By car: Take the A3 Salerno Motorway, and exit at ‘Reggio Calabria Centro’.